Less of Beth – Week 4

The girl, she is a’changin’…

On a Sunday morning at 7:10am, my husband discovered me sitting on the floor rifling through a pile of clean clothes. “Going somewhere?”, he said with surprise. “Yep, to Barre,” I replied with a grin, as I watched his jaw drop in shock. See, normally, I would be fast asleep at that time on a Sunday morning, and for at least an hour to come. But the night before, I decided to go to this early class, knowing I would feel so good having it done for the day. I made the decision, I kept that deal with myself, and off I went to sweat it out at the barre. Before I left, I told Michael, “Your wife is changing, get used to it.” 🙂 And I am. Changing, that is.

This week was a big one. It marked a milestone, not just on the scale, but in how I feel in my body and in my mind and spirit. And it’s only been three weeks since I started this, so I’m beyond excited for what’s to come if this is how I feel now.

I’ve got the update for you here in this week’s video!

The Too Long Don’t Watch Summary

This past week was super busy and challenging, due both to schedule and sickness, but somehow I ended up feeling like I thrived, not just survived.

Monday was a school field trip with Vida’s kindergarten class, where I was in charge of corralling 7 kindergarteners around a busy pumpkin patch. Here’s Vida and I on the bus. Side note: One of the things I’m looking forward to while losing weight is no more “selfie chin.”

I’m so lucky to be her mom.

That same day I started coming down with a cold/flu situation, and that day and Tuesday I scaled my exercise back, but I still hit my move and exercise goals on my Apple Watch. Now granted, sometimes that meant doing knee marches in the living room while watching The Great British Baking Show at 11:30 at night, but I did it, dang it.

I have continued with tracking my food, and while it’s not an unhealthy obsession or anything, I really like being aware of what and how much I’m eating, so that I can know with reasonable certainty that I’m getting the energy input/output balance right. It’s also helped me to eat better and curb the convenience foods more. Which means I’ve been testing more recipes too, which can only mean good things for you. 🙂

Take, for example, these super tasty tostadas. Those will be making an appearance here soon for sure.

Vida had a couple of days off school, so we partied it up at the park, the dentist, and yes, another trip to the pumpkin patch. This time for Josh’s school. Except, that morning I was also booked to share my new apple cinnamon almond blender muffins on AM Northwest, so THAT was a crazy day. And somehow I still went to Barre that afternoon too!

You can’t tell how tired I am in this picture, and I’m glad. All I want to remember is that sweet boy’s smile.

I went to Barre on Sunday morning, my fifth class of the week. It felt amazing to walk in the door after stepping on the scale and seeing that I’d lost 4 pounds. I felt lighter both in my body and in my spirit, and I practically bounded in. During class I was able to do the postures better than ever before, and I felt stronger than I have in a very long time. At one point while lying on a mat, I had sweat rolling down my arms and into my ears. I felt proud, motivated, and inspired to keep on going.

Week 4 – By the Numbers

Starting weight: 250.6 lbsPrevious weight: 244.6 lbsCurrent weight: 240.4 lbsWeight lost this week: 4.2 lbsGoal weight by 40th birthday on March 18, 2019: 199.6 lbs (basically, just want to get under 200 pounds by that day)Final goal weight: 150 lbs (aiming to hit this by October 1, 2019)

To say I’m proud of how this past week went is an understatement. I’m confident that not every week will feel like this, and that’s ok. Or who knows, maybe I’m just letting my Debbie Downer show, and every week WILL feel like this after all. I’m open to it! All I know is, I can feel myself changing, and I like it, and it’s motivating me forward.

Whatever it is that you’re working on for yourself, you’re worth it, and you can do it, and I’m here for you with whatever encouragement you need. Thank you for being that support for me through this journey. It’s been immeasurably helpful so far.

About Beth

Beth Hornback is a food photographer and recipe developer based in the Pacific Northwest. She never tires of snuggling with her two beautiful kids and owes piles of chocolate chip cookies to her husband, aka the most wonderful person she knows. Keep in touch with Beth on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.